Every NBA team’s Mount Rushmore
By Ian Levy
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan may be the greatest player in NBA history so he certainly merits inclusion among the greatest Bulls ever. Jordan’s athleticism, skill and competitive fire defined an entire era of Bulls basketball. He was selected as Rookie of the Year in 1984-85 and followed that up with 14 All-Star selections, five MVP awards and the only six championships in franchise history (earned in two separate dominating three-peats).
Scottie Pippen was more than just Jordan’s sidekick, finishing his career as one of the best players in NBA history. Pippen was one of the best perimeter defenders of his era but also a capable scorer and shooter, who could even function as the team’s point guard. There is no Pippen without Jordan, but there is probably no Jordan without Pippen either.
Artis Gilmore joined the Bulls after the ABA merger at age 27. The team didn’t have much success with him manning the middle but his toughness, scoring touch and distinctive hair carried the team for six seasons. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in blocks and field goal percentage.
Joakim Noah and the teams he played on will be remembered in large part for the things they didn’t accomplish. But for all the injuries that derailed them, his defensive intensity still defined the Bulls and their success during the Tom Thibodeau era. Noah played nine seasons in Chicago, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14, and finishing fourth in the MVP voting that same season. He ranks in the team’s all-time top ten for games, minutes, rebounds, steals, and blocks.